This later Kurosawa film relies more on grave acting and themes than on the tongue-in-cheek humor the director displays in some of his earlier Samurai films. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous and the story, though starting off somewhat mundane, builds into something touching and significant.

It may not be on the same high pedastal as Ran or Seven Samurai, but Kagemusha is an amazing film that shares the stunning visual style of so many Kurosawa films. The characters again drive the film; the end leaves a lasting impression.

Full Movie Reviews

It is difficult to find a director of this magnitude who encompasses slight humor (not much here though), action, drama, spectacular direction and humanistic thought processes about life. "The shadow of a man can never desert that man." This the line that would start the movie's plot, and would have an immense effect of an entire clan. Slow build-up for good character development but the powerful tragic conclusion was worth the journey. The era is 1573. Rumors circulate that Lord Shingen was assassinated. Nobukado aids the thief in impersonating his brother. Elegantly scored and meticulously directed from the details of the sunset, colorful psychedelic dream sequence and number of men in the armies. Cinematography was like a huge canvass and costumes just majestic to look at. Sc...